Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Moldovan President Maia Sandu exchanged their countries' top state honors in Kyiv on Monday, with Zelensky awarding Sandu the Order of Princess Olga First Class and Sandu presenting him with Moldova's Order of the Republic.
Sandu handed over the Order of the Republic, Moldova's highest state award, during ceremonies marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's declaration of independence.
Writing on Facebook, Sandu said she had the honor of awarding President Zelensky the Order of the Republic for his exceptional contribution to defending peace and freedom on the European continent, and as a mark of Moldovans' gratitude for the courage of the Ukrainian people.
Zelensky in turn gave Sandu the Order of Princess Olga First Class, one of Ukraine's highest state honors, recognizing her personal contribution to strengthening cooperation between the two states and to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Sandu said she was accepting the award on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. She recalled that in the first days of the war, Moldovan families had opened their doors and hearts to Ukrainian women and children fleeing the bombing.
Awards for other allied leaders
Ukraine's presidential office said Zelensky also presented state honors to several other foreign leaders who traveled to Kyiv for the anniversary: Estonian President Alar Karis, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Background to the visit
Moldova, which shares a border with Ukraine, has taken in large numbers of Ukrainian refugees since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Sandu, a pro-European leader, has repeatedly backed Kyiv's bid for closer integration with the European Union.
The Order of Princess Olga is named after the 10th-century regent of Kyivan Rus and is awarded for outstanding service to the Ukrainian state. Moldova's Order of the Republic is the country's highest civilian and state distinction.
